News

H5 bird update: Wednesday 5 August

Surveillance activities continue across Victoria following the detection of H5 bird flu in wild birds along the state's south west coastline.

Preliminary testing at Victoria's state lab, AgriBio, has identified 33 further suspect cases of H5 bird flu, including 30 greater crested terns, one gull, one inconclusive magpie and one unidentified bird.

Samples are now undergoing further confirmatory testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. 

The 33 suspect cases are in addition to the 7 already confirmed cases in Victoria. 

H5 bird flu surveillance and testing update

Surveillance continues along the south west Victorian coastline after a further six cases of H5 bird were confirmed by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) yesterday.

Celebrating 40 years of landcare across north east Victoria

This year marks a remarkable milestone – 40 years since Landcare’s humble beginnings in 1986.

North East Landcare groups and networks, supported by North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), are planning a major celebration on 9 August 2026 in Beechworth that will recognise the commitment of volunteers and reflect on the achievements of the Landcare groups and networks that have grown and thrived in north east Victoria in the past 40 years.

Back in 1986, under the leadership of the late Joan Kirner, then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, and Heather Mitchell, former Victorian Farmers Federation President, Landcare in Victoria was born. What began as a simple, yet powerful idea has grown into one of Australia’s most inspiring community-led movements.

Comment on the Sandhill Pine Woodlands by 10 August

The draft assessment and conservation advice for the Sandhill Pine Woodlands in the Riverina, Murray Darling Depression and NSW South Western Slopes bioregions ecological community is open for public consultation until 10 August 2026.

Information about the consultation period and the consultation documentation is available at https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/draft-conservation-advice-woodlands-murray-darling-nsw-slopes

The committee's final Conservation Advice is due for completion by 30 October 2026.

Nominate your favourite North East waterway

Photo Story Competition  - My Favourite North East Waterway

North East CMA is running a competition asking the public to nominate their favourite North East waterway as part of the renewal of the North East Regional Waterway Strategy.

Portray through an original photo, your connection to the environment of the region. Celebrate the North East’s amazing natural environment through your image and story explaining why the place is special for you. Is this a site you visit often, has personal or family connection or you just want people to know about?

We will select up to six of the best images and short stories to receive a prize voucher to a local nursery or agricultural shop.

Entries close 7 August 2026 and should be sent to info@necma.vic.gov.au